Christine Hurtsellers likes a challenge. Even more, she loves the sense of accomplishment when the challenge has a successful outcome.

“Professionally, the accomplishments that stand out most in my mind are the ones where the task or problem seemed insurmountable but with some commitment, teamwork and celebrating little wins along the way we were able to ultimately overcome the seemingly impossible task to achieve great results and win,” said Hurtsellers, who is being honored in the 2017 Women Who Mean Business Awards, sponsored by Atlanta Business Chronicle.

As CEO of Voya Investment Management (IM), the asset management business of Voya Financial Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), that manages about $217 billion in assets, she leads 940 employees in four offices across the country and serves as a member of Voya Financial’s executive committee.

Prior to becoming CEO in September 2016, Hurtsellers was chief investment officer of fixed income and oversaw a turnaround in the performance of Voya IM’s fixed income investment performance. At year-end 2009, only 19 percent of Voya’s fixed-income assets were outperforming their benchmark or category peer median on a five-year basis. By third quarter of 2016, Hurtsellers drove the metric to 93 percent.

In the four quarters that Hurtsellers has been CEO, Voya IM has reported cumulative pre-tax earnings of $251 million, representing the highest cumulative four-quarter total for the company.

“At Voya Investment Management, we never forget that we’re managing other people’s money and helping&nbsp; them achieve their financial goals,” she said. “Our mission is noble, and our culture enables our people to help each&nbsp; other, especially women, have opportunities to advance at Voya and in our industry, and we place great importance on&nbsp; giving back to the communities where we live and work. I always tell our team that we walk with pride, but never arrogance.”

Hurtsellers serves as the Atlanta executive sponsor for Voya’s National Day of Service. The team visited Covenant House of Atlanta to help scrub the kitchen, clean vans and spend time with those who have benefited from Covenant House’s services. She is also a local executive sponsor of Voya’s annual employee giving campaign.

She is involved in the Atlanta Executive Women Network, a group made up of CEOs, heads of global business units and functional leaders of Fortune 1000 companies. Hurtsellers serves on the Carter Center Board of Councilors and the Southeast Regional Board of Unicef USA. She is a member of the U.S. Treasury Borrowing Advisory Committee, comprised of senior representatives from investment funds and banks.

“Whether it’s her role in professional networks like the Atlanta Executive Women Network or her work with Covenant House of Atlanta and the Southeast Regional Board of Unicef USA, Christine is always eager to get involved and to help,” said Susan O’Farrell, senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer of BlueLinx. “Professionally, she’s an inspiration and an amazing resource. And here in Atlanta, she’s used that inspiring attitude to do so much to help others achieve their greatest potential.”

Bizwomen Mentoring Monday

Like many powerful women before you, make your mark in history through the mentorship of successful women in your local business community. This two-hour morning event focuses on connecting and empowering businesswomen to realize their full potential.